How To Write A Persuasive Letter Using Pros And Cons Charts

For example, if you’re passionate about the wellbeing of marine animals, you could choose to write about the ethics of using them for product testing and experimentation. It’s difficult to write a convincing letter about something you don’t care about.

For example, the topic “murder should be legal” is not defensible, since there are no convincing arguments that support an answer of “yes. ” So, a topic like: “Should the state pass legislation forbidding drivers to text while driving?” is much better.

For example, there may be valid reasons that someone would object to the state passing legislation to prohibit in-car texting. But, you’ll never be able to account for and counter these reasons if you don’t put in the research to find them out in the first place. Maybe many people feel that that legislation wouldn’t go far enough, and that the state should ban cell phones in cars altogether, no matter what they’re being used for!

When dealing with an older audience, you can use a more sophisticated vocabulary. The inverse applies when dealing with a young audience. [2] X Research source For example, for an older audience, write something like, “A lasting political commitment to phone-free driving will ensure the survival of many who otherwise could lose their lives to a distracted driver on the phone. ” On the other hand, for a younger audience, write, “Not allowing people to use phones in the car will reduce accidents. This will help keep more people alive. ”

For example, say you’re writing about banning cell phone use in cars. Under the pros column put “could help save lives. ” You can also write, “helps drivers focus on driving,” and “reduces risk of accidents. ” Under the cons column, you could write something like, “over-legislates private behavior” and “people may need to make emergency calls with their cell phone. ”

For example, when making a list of cons for any issues, writing something like, “I personally dislike it” or “It makes me unhappy” is a very weak reason.

Or, if you don’t believe that the “cons” need to be solved, you could find information that proves those arguments wrong. For example, if you’re writing about the issue of texting while driving, you’ll need to address the con that it “over-legislates private behavior. ” Write something like, “This argument is irrelevant. Texting while driving affects more than one individual since many people can be killed by a careless driver who is also texting. ” You can then add this sentence directly to your letter once you’re writing it.

If you have more pros than cons, devote 2 paragraphs to the pros and whatever reasoning you have for supporting them. For example, you could write 1 paragraph describing the issue of cell phone use in cars and follow it up with an impassioned paragraph describing all of the pros and your reasons for supporting them. Next, write a paragraph describing the cons and your arguments for refuting them. Finally, conclude the letter with a call for action.

For example, you could write something like: “Marine animals should not be captured for scientific studies since it’s unethical to perform experiments on living creatures. ” This type of straightforward beginning will let your readers know exactly what you plan to persuade them of.

For example, if you’re writing about the need for legislation against texting and driving, write something like, “A poll by the Pew Research Center suggests that over 75% of current drivers text while driving and plan to continue. This statistic is staggering, and indicates how badly we as a country are in need of a solution. ”

For example, if you’re writing about the issue of marine animal testing, write something like, “Dozens of animals are confused and in pain every day all because some unethical companies feel the need to unnecessarily test out products. I know because I once visited an animal testing center and was shocked by the unethical animal treatment that I observed. ”

If you’ve written the letter for a school assignment, you’re ready to turn it in. Or, if you’re using the letter to influence policy, look up the address of the person you’re sending it to, then drop the letter in the mail!